There was plenty going on in São Paulo last Tuesday night, amongst which was MTV's CK One Party, featuring none other than CK One poster girl, Sky Ferreira. Open bar aside, I was curious to see Sky in real life. Because even with her fame/notoriety and papp-ability, her music career never really quite happened. Considering her myspace/Michael Jackson hype, her epic record deal signing and the truckloads of money that was thrown at her (and subsequently, squandered by her), the fruits of her talent have yet to appear. Unless you call an oversexualised, over-hyped and eventual flop of a video that looks more like a make-up advertorial, a fruit.

Not that a million plus views are anything to be sniffed at; but when at least that much was spent making an album that was never released, the value of it has to be questioned. And not saying either, that Sky isn't a hard worker (I have no idea whether she is or not), or that any of it is her fault.

I'm Just Saying.

Anyway, so the music didn't quite happen for Sky; but fashion on the other hand, has always loved her. And girl sure can work a camera angle, as is evidenced with her burgeoning career as a model allowing her to showcase her music somewhat. But in spite of all that: Sky Ferreira can actually sing. And I was curious to see her in the flesh.

With MTV's gorgeous Gaía Passarelli and DJ duo Database on the decks, as well as Brazil's own Copacabana Club in support, Sky came onstage superbly late. She looked more than a little dead-eyed, though with freshly straightened and possibly touched up roots. She did a few unmemorable songs with an acoustic guitar played by her boyfriend (so I was told) before singing to a backing track a number of songs including the very CK appropriate, 'One'. But she could definitely carry a tune. And work a diva hand. What more does a pretty girl need?

Here are some pics of the sets, first up with Copacabana Club, then Sky:

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HIYA // Wes and MikeQ

So aside from the terribly old news of his contribution to taking the third world to the first, Diplo is now trés mode with such first world accoutrements as GQ and Vanity Fair (though it pains me somewhat to identify him as 'that 'Paperplanes' dude – guys, for me, that was a totally mediocre tune. Go listen to some of his less lamestreamed stuff). In fact, he's actually a columnist at the latter. Diplo's latest column exploits a night out at Vogue Knights Tuesdays – and I don't mean the rival magazine kind.

I'm kinda fuming – just a little – out of jealousy, here. A Vogue Ball/Night was one thing I really had trouble trying to get a hold of last time I was in NY. Like most people who see the film, ever since I encountered Paris Is Burning, the Vogue Ball scene and culture has held great fascination for me. Earlier this year, I met father of the House of Ninja, Benny Ninja, survivor of the legendary Willi Ninja when he hit the runway in Sydney for Australian Fashion Week (I squealed when he glided out) and that only fueled my desire to get my Cindarella on and be at a damn ball.

Anyway Diplo, despite his modest claims of not knowing a lot about being black/gay/cool, having gleaned all his knowledge of that particular Bermuda from DJ MikeQ and Maluca, was the white/straight/'uncool' guy, perfect to go to a vogue ball in Manhattan a little while ago. Documented by Vanity Fair contributor Shane McCauley, Diplo takes us through his Knight on a Vogue Tuesdays (though unfortunately, the exact location and club isn't disclosed, except that it's right next to the Comfort Inn somewhere in Midtown, amongst a bunch of emtpy warehouses. Respect though, it'd not only get shit if that littled secret got outed online at Vanity Fair, but it'd probably have already moved on anyway by the time anyone hauled ass over there).

Check some of Shane McCauley's pics from the story below and in the gallery, but head over to Vanity Fair for Diplo's full commentary (or full MikeQ plug, as it were, scene aggregator extraordinaire that he is). And you should also totally read Julianne Escobedo Shepherd and Krisanne Johnson's story on NY's next gen Vogue scene for The Fader too, from earlier this year.

"...always, the weird scream/snare on the fourth beat is used to precision. It’s the sound that you might hear in Psycho, when Janet Leigh is being stabbed to death in the shower. It’s the sound that all the dancers mark to do a special move: an enormous fall, a deadly hair whip, and hip-dislocating side thrust. Or many other very violent moves that would not be allowed on So You Think You Can Dance." – Diplo

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HIYA // (Asian-eyes-ed) Crystal Renn

Now, we often have little arguments between ourselves about whether something is racist or not (like when we asked you all about whether THIS was racist). Mostly, it's over the fact that I go too far and don't even realise it to which I, of course, will argue back goodnaturedly that I in fact don't go far enough...

In my opinion, Crystal Renn is generally just divine. And she is no less so in this Vogue Nippon editorial for October 2011's issue. Photographed by Giampaolo Sgura and styled by the ridonkulous Anna Dello Russo, the editorial only uses Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana's designs and sees Crystal play with the masculine-feminine aspects of their latest (awesome) collection.

Another thing this shoot literally sees is Crystal Renn viewing through more almond, Asian-afied eyes via the strategic use of tape at her temples to pull her eyes into a different shape. And yes, I do think it was a somewhat inspired move.

I for one, as a person of Asian descent, was not offended by this. Should I be? I mean, is it not a refreshing statement to make a Caucasian girl look more Asian as opposed to, for example, the usual whitening up of every other skin tone that is any shade human other than white? For me, in my fashion-twisted and perhaps industry brain washed perspective, temporarily modifying Crystal Renn's eyes to look more Asian sends a message that an Oriental shaped eye is beautiful and desirable.

Granted, the deeper concept of it being demonstrated on a biologically Caucasian eye (lids and all) is perhaps a mixed message - but WTF isn't a completely convoluted message in fashion/advertising/everything these days?

In all honesty, I'm quite sure that I wouldn't even have noticed this 'styling detail', had not parts of the make up process been shown on the behind the scenes video. Is taping her temples back really all that different to lining her eyes in liquid to create a cat eye? Or changing her hair colour? Or using a belt to cinch in her waist? Or wearing high heels to make her legs look (even) longer?

This isn't a case of 'is this racist or not'. It's a much more complex issue to do with not only race (which I feel is the less pertinent element at stake here), but the fashion industry's M.O., societal and cultural ideals and standards of beauty, as well as the plain old intention of publicity provoking controversy. And I always think it's an excellent thing if we're having conversations about things like this at all!

Anyway, Crystal Renn looks amazing and the clothes look amazing. ANTM wanna bes take note: now THIS is how you work an angle!!

In another perspective, Refinery 29's Connie Wang doesn't feel too comfortable with it... How do you feel about it?

Let us know what you think...I'm really interested to hear!! In the meantime, check the gallery below that includes images of Crystal Renn's beauty feature in the same issue:

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Rupert Grint and Tom Felton star in Scott Sternberg's latest polaroid campaign for Band of Outsiders.

HIYA // Bromance

How appropriate and ironic that the ginger and the platinum blonde from the Harry Potter films find themselves combining their powers to model the label's latest FW collection shot on location at Magic Castle; a night club that doubles as a venue for illusionists and magicians to make shit appear and reappear. And stuff.

Most surprising to me though is that they actually look totally comfortable and cute. And cool. And the clothes look great. I don't have too strong an opinion on them either way besides a mild amusement at their bit parts in J.K. Rowling's film franchise, but their collective adorable factor after this series of pics went from mild amusement to near fondness. Check them out:

Go check some more of the polaroid look book in the gallery below:

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Read the whole article here. It's totally worth it.

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Photographs by Andrew MacPherson. Styling by Annie Psaltiras. 

You know we lurrrrve a good cry face. The fashion blogosphere has been creaming over Love magazine's latest bunch of special covers the first of which feature Elle Fanning, Chloe Moretz and Hailee Steinfeld getting their best, vulnerable-but-beautiful cry faces on. This trio of pubescent power players shedding tears on Love's covers are some pretty amazing shots. Despite the super model star power of the other five covers, featuring Lara Stone, Nyasha Matonhodze, Kristen McMenamy, Daphne Groeneveld and Mariacarla Boscono, I gotta say that my favourites are Chloe's and Elle's cry faces.

Check all eight cry faces in the gallery below:

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... and she gets out naked. Nice one, Terry!

Speaking of Jeremy Scott and 2NE1, here's a geeze at some of Jeremy Scott's FW for Adidas 2011/12. I don't really buy into the Jeremy Scott hype, and I think a chunk of his stuff sucks, but I must admit that sometimes, he gets it pretty damn right. Somehow, with their over the top, fun and downright ridiculous (and yes, often ugly) designs, between him and Adidas, they've grown a cult of superfans who'll buy that shit out the second it hits the shelves.

So, if any of you are superfans or just supercurious and happen to live in Sydney, the latest collection is launching next Wednesday the 3rd of August at The Atrium. You can get your hot little hands on the shit before the rabble have access to it the next day instore. Check the invite below and RSVP if you're down.

Here's a cool little behind-the-scenes film of the shoot for the lookbook, featuring some impractical, impossible and impressive pieces from the collection.

Check out some more of the collection below:

I dig this two piece track set, even though it would make you look like a little boy about to hop into your racing car shaped bed. GIMME.

These kicks are for Pebbles, references his SS 2010 Flintstones themed collection. Bone up.

Another take on that teddy fetish:

I'ma post the next two looks just because I think they are beyond fugly. But just like the dude in the film says, it doesn't mean that I don't respect. Or that I would say no if I someone gave me pieces. Except maybe to the stuff below:

Check the gallery below for some more of the lookbook, and Sydneysiders, don't forget to RSVP. Methinks there will be free drinks.

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